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Examinations

This page provides essential information for students and parents/carers about examinations. All examinations are conducted in line with Joint Council for Qualifications (JCQ) regulations, which apply to all exam centres in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

We expect all candidates to read this information carefully and follow the rules set out below. JCQ regulations exist to ensure examinations are fair, secure and consistent for everyone.

JCQ Regulations – What All Candidates Must Know

JCQ publishes official guidance called Information for Candidates. These rules apply to all public examinations, including GCSEs and other qualifications.

Before the Exam

Check your exam timetable carefully and arrive at least 10 minutes early.
Bring only permitted equipment (for example, black pens, pencils, calculator if allowed).
Pencil cases must be transparent.
Do not bring unauthorised items such as mobile phones, smart watches, earbuds or notes into the exam room – even if they are switched off or not used.

During the Exam

Always follow the instructions of the invigilators.
You must not communicate with other candidates once the exam has started.
Do not attempt to cheat or gain an unfair advantage.
You must not leave the exam room without permission.
Write clearly in black ink unless the paper instructs otherwise.

Breaking exam rules may lead to penalties, including disqualification from one or more qualifications.

Unauthorised Materials

Possession of unauthorised material is a serious offence. This includes:

Mobile phones or electronic devices
Smart watches or fitness trackers
Notes, revision materials or printed information

This applies even if you do not intend to use them.

Social Media and Exams

JCQ has clear rules about social media use around exams. Candidates must not:

Share or discuss exam questions before or after an exam
Ask others about exam content
Post coursework or assessment material online

Any breach may be investigated as malpractice and could result in sanctions.

Special Consideration, Access Arrangements and Illness

If a student is unwell on the day of an exam or has approved access arrangements, families must contact the school exams officer immediately. Requests can only be considered within JCQ rules.

School-Specific Examination Disclaimer

In addition to national JCQ regulations, All Saints CE Academy applies the following local expectations to ensure examinations run safely, calmly and consistently:

Candidates must be in full school uniform unless prior arrangements have been agreed.
Bags and coats must be left in designated areas as instructed by staff.
Mobile phones and electronic devices must not be brought into the examination venue. If a device is found, this will be treated as unauthorised material and reported in line with JCQ regulations.
Candidates are expected to behave respectfully and follow instructions at all times, reflecting the school’s values and behaviour expectations.
Failure to comply with exam regulations or staff instructions may result in removal from the exam room and referral to the awarding body.

By entering examinations at All Saints CE Academy, candidates confirm that they have read and understood both JCQ regulations and the school’s examination arrangements.

All examinations are approached through our Christian vision, encouraging honesty, respect, responsibility and integrity so that every pupil is treated fairly and with dignity.

Official JCQ Documents

The following JCQ documents are issued to all candidates and parents each year. These set out the rules candidates must follow and form part of the school’s statutory exam arrangements.

Download the JCQ Candidate Information Pack

You can download the full JCQ information pack below:

These documents are produced by the Joint Council for Qualifications and apply to all exam candidates nationally. Students and parents/carers are expected to read them carefully.

JCQ Guidance Online

You can also view the official guidance directly on the JCQ website: